Heatwave scorches Himachal Pradesh: Una tops at 42.4°C, five areas cross 40°C mark
Shimla, May 22
The scorching heatwave in Himachal Pradesh has reached its peak this summer, with Una town recording a maximum temperature of 42.4 degrees Celsius. Five other stations in the region have also experienced temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.
According to the Meteorological Office, in addition to Una’s record-breaking temperature, Dhaulakaun in Sirmaur registered 41.4 degrees Celsius, Berthin in Bilaspur recorded 41.2 degrees Celsius, while Bilaspur and Hamirpur both reached 40 degrees Celsius.
Even Shimla, the capital city, experienced its highest temperature of the season at 28.6 degrees Celsius. The temperature at Jubbarhati Airport was recorded as 32.4 degrees Celsius, Chamba at 38.4 degrees Celsius, Dalhousie at 27 degrees Celsius, Kalpa in Kinnuar at 24.4 degrees Celsius, Kufri at 22.8 degrees Celsius, Narkanda at 23.8 degrees Celsius, Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti at 20.9 degrees Celsius, and Dharmshala at 34.2 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a five-day forecast, stating that an active western disturbance is approaching the western Himalayan region starting from the 23rd of May. This disturbance is expected to bring widespread rain to Himachal Pradesh, beginning on the 23rd and continuing for the next 3-4 days.
During this period, thunderstorms, lightning, and hailstorms are likely to occur in the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Solan, and Sirmaur, with the possibility of heavy rainfall in isolated areas on the 23rd and 24th of May. Higher reaches of districts such as Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kangra, and Kullu may also experience light to moderate rainfall or snowfall.
The spell of precipitation is expected to be accompanied by gusty winds with a speed of 30-40 km/h in the lower and mid-hill districts of the state on the 23rd and 24th of May.
In addition to the weather changes, the average minimum temperatures are predicted to be 4 to 5 degrees below normal for the next 4 to 5 days, starting from tomorrow.
The IMD media communiqué stated that farming operations should be adjusted accordingly, and people are encouraged to follow the advisories and guidelines issued by the relevant departments. The use of anti-hail nets over crops is recommended.
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